The 10 Best Carbon Steel Woks

This wiki has been updated 3 times since it was first published in November of 2018. To cook authentic-tasting Asian cuisine at home, one of the most important tools you can have in your arsenal is a wok. And if you're only going to own one, carbon steel is the way to go. It heats up quickly and evenly, and with proper seasoning and care, it develops a natural nonstick coating with repeated use. Our list includes both traditional and modern options at prices to fit any budget.
When users buy our independently chosen editorial
recommendations,
we may earn commissions to
help fund the Wiki.
Skip to the best carbon steel wok on Amazon.

This wiki has been updated 3 times since it was first published in November of 2018. To cook authentic-tasting Asian cuisine at home, one of the most important tools you can have in your arsenal is a wok. And if you're only going to own one, carbon steel is the way to go. It heats up quickly and evenly, and with proper seasoning and care, it develops a natural nonstick coating with repeated use. Our list includes both traditional and modern options at prices to fit any budget.
When users buy our independently chosen editorial
selections,
we may earn commissions to
help fund the Wiki.
Skip to the best carbon steel wok on Amazon.

10. Joyce Chen Nonstick

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

The Joyce Chen Nonstick comes with a bamboo slotted spoon and spatula, a domed lid, and six pairs of chopsticks — five sets for eating and one 13-inch set for cooking. Note that its Xylan interior coating is rather delicate and will scratch if you use metal utensils.

9. M.V. Trading Flat Bottom

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

Boasting a heavy 14-gauge construction, the M.V. Trading Flat Bottom is designed to heat and cool quickly. Its natural blond wooden grips won't get hot while you cook, and a loop on the end of the handle allows you to hang it up for storage.

8. Icon Lightweight

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

The Icon Lightweight is made of a unique material that combines all the benefits of cast iron and carbon steel to create a super-strong pan that can withstand temperatures of up to 800°F. It can be used on any type of cooking surface, including induction and grills.

7. Typhoon Living 6-Piece

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

The 11-inch Typhoon Living 6-Piece is the perfect size for those who are just cooking for one or two people. It comes with a bamboo spatula and two sets of wooden chopsticks, so you'll have everything you need to get started.

6. Sur La Table Professional

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

The Sur La Table Professional is a flat-bottomed model that will remain stable on just about any cooking surface. At 14 inches in diameter, it provides ample space for large batches of stir-fried dishes, and it can even accommodate a steamer basket.

5. Timoney Hand Hammered

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

If you'd rather not deal with the hassle of seasoning your pan, consider the Timoney Hand Hammered, which comes ready to use right out of the box. Its cold-forged construction and reinforced joints mean you'll never have to worry about it falling apart.

4. Chef's Medal Round Bottom

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

Built to last a lifetime, the Chef's Medal Round Bottom is 1.8 mm thick and constructed from commercial-quality steel. It heats up quickly and evenly, ensuring that every morsel of food is cooked perfectly in just a few minutes.

3. Mammafong Authentic

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

Both stylish and functional, the Mammafong Authentic has a sleek look and an extra-long wooden handle that makes tossing easy and keeps your hands away from the heat. Weighing just under 3.5 pounds, it's heavy enough for high temperatures, but won't tire out your arms.

2. Town Food Service Peking Style

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

The Town Food Service Peking Style is light compared to many similar options, weighing just over 3 pounds. Its extra-deep shape helps to reduce oil splatter and allows you to easily toss and stir without spilling anything over the sides.

1. Craft Wok Traditional

REVIEW

DETAILS

SPECS

Hand-hammered by professionals in the Chinese city of Guangzhou, the Craft Wok Traditional certainly lives up to its name. In addition to stir-frying, it's also great for steaming, deep-frying, and even smoking meats and fish.

Editor's Notes

November 06, 2018:

Before buying a carbon steel wok, it's important to know that if it's uncoated, you'll need to season it by heating and oiling it several times in order for it to form a nonstick surface. It also must be dried thoroughly after washing and oiled after each use to prevent rusting. That's why we included a few pre-seasoned and nonstick options, like the Timoney Hand Hammered and the Typhoon Living 6-Piece, for folks who are looking for something that's not quite so high-maintenance. Also note that if you choose a round-bottomed model, you'll need a wok ring to use it on an electric stove.

Related Wikis

Originally from a tiny town in Virginia, Gabrielle moved to Los Angeles for a marketing internship at a well-known Hollywood public relations firm and was shocked to find that she loves the West Coast. She spent two years as a writer and editor for a large DIY/tutorial startup, where she wrote extensively about technology, security, lifestyle, and home improvement. A self-professed skincare nerd, she’s well-versed in numerous ingredients and methods, including both Western and Asian products. She is an avid home cook who has whiled away thousands of hours cooking and obsessively researching all things related to food and food science. Her time in the kitchen has also had the curious side effect of making her an expert at fending off attempted food thievery by her lazy boxer dog.

Thanks for reading the fine print. About the Wiki: We don't accept sponsorships,
free goods, samples, promotional products, or other benefits from any of the product brands featured on this page, except
in cases where those brands are manufactured by the retailer to which we are linking.
For our full ranking methodology, please read about us, linked below. The Wiki is a participant in associate programs
from Amazon, Walmart, Ebay, Target, and others, and may earn advertising fees
when you use our links to these websites. These fees will not increase your purchase price,
which will be the same as any direct visitor to the merchant’s website.
If you believe that your product should be included
in this review, you may contact us, but we cannot guarantee a response, even if you send us flowers.